HIRONO ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION GRANT FOR REHABILITATION OF KALAELOA AIRPORT HANGAR

HONOLULU – Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced the award of a $4 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to continue the ongoing rehabilitation of Hangar 110, the only large capacity hangar available for general aviation use, at Kalaeloa Airport (John Rodgers Field) on Oahu. This FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will fund Phase III of the project’s five phases, which includes improvements to exterior utilities such as water and sewer lines, electrical work, hazardous material abatement, selective demolition, and paving.

“I’ve visited Kalaeloa Airport and seen how it’s used by the U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii Air National Guard, and commercial and general aviation.  Continued federal support will help ensure the safety of those who utilize the airport as well as protect aircraft and equipment,” said Hirono. “As an island state, it is critical that we continue to invest in our aviation infrastructure.”

In 2013, Senator Hirono urged the FAA to spare the Kalaeloa Airport Air Traffic Control Tower from being closed. After the FAA identified the tower as one of 189 to be shuttered due to sequestration, the Senator sent the agency a letter recommending the tower be kept open due to the vital role it plays in Coast Guard operations and air safety. The FAA ultimately decided to keep the tower open.